Creamy Lasagna Soup turns your favorite pasta bake into a cozy, approachable meal. Ground Italian sausage and broken lasagna noodles simmer in a rich tomato broth, while dollops of ricotta stirred in at the end create a velvety finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for anyone craving comfort without the fuss of layering and baking.
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You’ll Adore This Cozy Soup
- One Pot Wonder – Everything cooks together in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Fast Family Dinner – Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort In A Bowl – All the rich, cheesy flavor of lasagna without the work.
- Easy Ingredient Swaps – Customize with what you have on hand.
What You’ll Need for Creamy Lasagna Soup
Gathering these simple ingredients feels like opening grandma’s pantry, full of warmth and promise. We use ground Italian sausage for its savory depth, but you could easily swap it for ground turkey or keep it vegetarian. This rich and hearty pasta soup meal comes together with pantry staples you likely already have.
Nothing here is fussy or hard to find, which I always appreciate on a busy weeknight. For another comforting pasta dish, try my creamy spinach pasta for a similar cozy vibe.
For the soup
- Ground Italian sausage – Adds a rich, savory depth that’s essential for flavor.
- Olive oil – Just a bit to cook everything perfectly.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped for a sweet, mellow base.
- Garlic – Minced fresh for that aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth – The backbone of the soup, so go for a good-quality one.
- Marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Diced tomatoes – Undrained for a juicy, flavorful addition.
- Italian seasoning – The perfect blend of herbs to tie it all together.
- Mafalda or campanelle pasta – These shapes are ideal for capturing all the goodness.
For the creamy finish
- Heavy cream – Room temperature so it blends smoothly into the soup.
For the cheese mixture
- Ricotta cheese – Creates that classic lasagna creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese – Grated fresh for the best flavor.
For the topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy perfection.
- Fresh basil – Thinly sliced for a bright, herby garnish.
Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces mafalda or campanelle pasta uncooked
- 1/2 cup heavy cream at room temperature
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil thinly sliced for garnish
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, the entire jar of marinara sauce, the can of undrained diced tomatoes, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Add 8 ounces of uncooked pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and tender.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture by stirring together 8 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl until it is smooth and well-combined.
- Turn off the heat under the soup. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it is fully incorporated and the soup takes on a creamy, orange hue. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a garnish of fresh basil.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Let’s Whip Up This Soup Fast
You won’t believe how quickly this comforting dish comes together on a hectic evening. I spend about 15 minutes getting everything chopped and measured, then it simmers away for 30 minutes. In under 45 minutes total, your cozy dinner is ready to ladle into bowls.
This easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is the definition of a stress free family meal. For another quick dinner idea, my creamy tortellini soup is just as simple and satisfying.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I love making my recipes work for everyone at the table, including those who are sugar conscious. For a lower glycemic option, consider using a whole grain or legume based pasta to help with glycemic control. You could also reduce the marinara sauce and use a no sugar added variety to keep it diabetic friendly.
Swapping the sausage for lean ground turkey and using a low fat ricotta are great tweaks too. Remember, small changes can make a big difference while keeping all the cozy flavor we love.
My Favorite Tricks for Perfect Soup
Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make this soup truly spectacular every single time. First, always let your heavy cream come to room temperature before stirring it in, which prevents any curdling. For a flavor twist, try using hot Italian sausage instead of mild for an extra kick.
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the pasta. Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. For more cheesy inspiration, check out my baked ziti with parmesan, and for a herby twist, my pesto pasta is always a hit.
The Cozy Goodness in Every Bowl
This comforting soup isn’t just delicious, it brings some wonderful nutrition to your table too. The tomatoes provide vitamin C, while the cheese offers calcium and protein for staying power. Using a good quality chicken broth forms a flavorful base that’s lower in calories than a heavy cream sauce.
For more on building balanced, flavorful meals, explore proper soup consistency methods from trusted experts. If you love creamy vegetable soups, my creamy vegetable soup is another nutritious option, and my creamy broccoli cheddar soup is always a family favorite.
Lighten Up Your Creamy Lasagna Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this comfort food soup, I have some easy swaps that work beautifully. Try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork for a leaner protein option. You can also substitute half and half for the heavy cream and use part skim ricotta and mozzarella.
For a dairy free version, a dollop of cashew cream works wonderfully in place of the ricotta mixture. For more lightened up comfort food, my creamy cauliflower cheddar soup is fantastic, and my creamy yogurt bowl makes a great breakfast or snack.
How to Serve Soup Like Sundays at Grandma’s
I love serving this soup with a big, crusty piece of garlic bread for dipping into that rich broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. It reminds me of rainy fall evenings when my mom would make a big pot of soup and we’d all gather around the table.
The steam would fog up the windows, and we’d laugh and talk until our bowls were empty. For another classic Italian pairing, my roasted garlic pasta is wonderful, and my tomato spinach pasta is a great meatless option.
Don’t Make These Common Soup Mistakes
The most common mistake is adding the cheese mixture directly into the hot pot, which can make it grainy. Instead, always dollop it into individual bowls right before serving. Another error is overcooking the pasta, so be sure to check it a minute or two before the package suggests.
Forgetting to use room temperature cream is another hiccup, as cold cream can sometimes curdle in the hot soup. For more guidance on technique, learn about white lasagna soup techniques from cooking experts. If you love creamy soups, my creamy tomato basil soup has some great tips, and my creamy cowboy soup is another hearty choice.
Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later
This soup stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make ahead meal for busy weeks. I often double the batch and freeze portions for those nights when I just can’t even think about cooking. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers, then it will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, just note the pasta may soften a bit more upon reheating. For another great freezer friendly meal, try my creamy garlic chicken meatballs, and for a tangy option, my creamy pepperoncini chicken is a winner.
Try This Soup for Your Next Cozy Night
I truly hope you give this easy Creamy Lasagna Soup recipe a try on one of those nights you need a hug in a bowl. It has become a regular in our winter rotation, and I love how it brings everyone to the table with smiles. This savory baked lasagna style soup delivers all the comfort of the classic dish with a fraction of the effort.
If you’re looking for more comforting ideas, browse our creamy basil pesto pasta for a herby twist. This one pot Italian sausage pasta soup is waiting to become a new favorite in your home too.
More Cozy Comfort Food Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this soup, here are a few more of my favorite recipes for a cozy night in.
Creamy Spinach Pasta – A simple, vibrant pasta that comes together in minutes.
Creamy Tortellini Soup – Cheesy tortellini swims in a rich, herb infused broth.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – The classic combo, perfect for dunking grilled cheese.
Baked Ziti with Parmesan – A bubbly, cheesy casserole that feeds a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy lasagna soup ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare this soup a day or two in advance. I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it when you reheat to prevent it from getting too soft. Store the soup base and pasta in separate containers in the refrigerator.
What is the best pasta to use for lasagna soup?
I love using mafalda or campanelle pasta because their ruffles hold the broth so well. You can also break traditional lasagna noodles into small pieces, which is a fun and authentic touch. Any short, sturdy pasta will work great in this recipe.
How can I make my soup more creamy?
For an extra creamy tomato soup with ricotta dollop, you can stir an additional quarter cup of cream into the pot. Letting the soup simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta will also help thicken the broth naturally. The key is that velvety ricotta mixture swirled on top.
Can I freeze creamy lasagna soup?
Yes, this soup freezes quite well for busy nights. I suggest freezing it without the pasta and cheese topping for the best texture. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove, cooking your pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
